Shoemaker: Americans without representation

Tuesday

Apr 8, 2014 at 12:20 PMApr 9, 2014 at 7:21 AM

John ShoemakerLocal Columnikst

Have we lost the concept of government by representation?In discussing our political situation with two associates, Swiss and Norwegian citizens, both felt that finally the U.S. arrived at crossroads and has chosen the wrong road.Sadly, they feel that the U.S. no longer has a representative government.I then asked a Canadian friend and his response was immediate, "Are you kidding? The U.S. political system is a complete mess!"Surprised at the directness, I asked, "Why do you say that?"After listening and checking a bit, I have to admit they have a point.Poll after poll shows a wide gap between what the voting-public believes and what our representatives in Congress believe; no matter if they are Democrat or Republican.There are plenty of examples: gun control, abortion, taxes, education, budget, jobs, immigration, border security, healthcare and more. In each case there is a clear majority of voters that believe one thing yet Congressional representatives believe or vote differently, if they take any action at all.Initial explanations revolve around gerrymandering and how the districts are formed. So, in some cases, the representative is representing their small, particular district while going in the face of everyone else in their state.Still another reason is that our representatives vote the way they feel, regardless how other Americans feel. That is not to say that all voters must agree on any one issue, but certainly a "majority opinion" should provide clear guidance.As many well know, public approval of Congress. according to many polls, is the lowest in memory, bouncing around 12-15 percent. President Obama's confidence rating is lower than most presidents in recent memory, hovering around 40 percent and declining.The two areas with an exception to the president's score is the state of Hawaii, where he was born and in Washington D.C., where employment of government workers is booming.In looking at the issues which the majority of Americans believe are top priorities, the economy is ranked first with nearly 90 percent support. It is about jobs, yet it seems no successful action has been successful to stimulate job growth.It is the responsibility of our elected leaders to agree on effective answers to these problems.The over $800 billion "economic stimulus," however well intentioned, does not have much to show for all the money spent. We still have a massive infrastructure problem across the entire country.In the list of top issues per the Gallop organization's polls of Americans (from a national survey done in January, 2014), included the economy and jobs first, followed in order by education, healthcare, Social Security and Medicare, and terrorism.Are we really satisfied with America's progress with education?While Congress has spent an inordinate amount of time on healthcare, progress in other areas is stalled. The politics of healthcare has brought Washington D.C. to a near standstill.So, what about the lowest priorities?Surprisingly, the list includes, from the bottom working up: gay and lesbian policies; race relations; abortion; government surveillance, and immigration.Thinking about it, it seems more political and media attention is given to the bottom of the list than to the top.We often get stories and commentary about perceived racial conflicts, gay marriage struggles, gun use, marijuana use and NSA's snooping. But these are not the important priorities of this country. They are a distraction at best.Yet, as one of many examples, the majority of Americans still support gun rights and would rather have the problem of mental health addressed, but politicians dance around it and don't present potential solutions.Most Americans believe healthcare is another top priority and there is support for a new healthcare policy, but it is also true that the way Obamacare was passed and implemented has polarized the nation.The focus in Washington on both sides of the aisle is not on fixing it – except, of course, fixing the website which everyone knows has been a problem (cost to the American taxpayers for the website alone is over $800 million and counting).Many Americans are simply not impressed. The politicians and talking heads are beating the drums but the people aren't benefiting.For some the idea of "hope and change" has turned to disappointment and stalemate.And so the representation gap gets wider and deeper.It's time to go back to government by representation.Will the politicians more accurately represent the views of Americans?It‘s time they listen and act on them.

John Shoemaker lives in Natick.

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